Waste data reports

What waste data does SEPA report?

SEPA reports a wide range of waste management data for a variety of statutory purposes. Much of these data are published in the Waste Data Digest. Data are reported on specific waste types, such as municipal, hazardous, and commercial and industrial wastes and by waste management method.

How are the data collected?

Data on municipal waste are collected using WasteDataFlow - an online reporting system used by local authorities.

Statutory returns from licensed/permitted waste management facilities provide much of the data for reporting, using standard return forms that are submitted to SEPA by operators on a quarterly basis. Further information is available on the licensed-permitted site data returns page.

Data on the type, quantity and geographical origin of waste handled by certain exempt activities are gathered annually by SEPA. Further information is available on the exempt activity data returns page.

Waste generated by businesses is currently estimated by carrying out national surveys. The quantity of commercial and industrial waste treated and/or disposed of is derived from the statutory returns described above. Some commercial and industrial waste arisings, such as those from the agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors, are estimated using data models. Further information is available in the commercial and industrial waste pages.

What does SEPA use the data for?

SEPA uses the data for a wide range of purposes, including:

• Monitoring the Landfill Allowance Scheme
  
• Determining whether national municipal targets for recycling and composting and landfill have been met
  
• Informing waste management planning and policy decisions
  
• Reporting under the European Union Waste Statistics Regulations
  
• Conducting the Strategic Waste Management Review
  
• Producing the Waste Data Digest
  
• Providing data for other national and European reporting obligations

How are the data presented?

The data are presented in Excel, Word and PDF formats in order to make them as accessible as possible.